"We've known all along that either Troy or South Alabama would have to go West," Benson explained. "Just looking at the map and geography. It's pretty easy to see that those two are right in the center.

"We have two Louisiana (schools) and Texas State and Arkansas State that are clearly in the West. We have Georgia State and Georgia Southern and Appalachian State and Coastal Carolina that are clearly in the East.

"We have South Alabama and Troy that are right in the middle. Distance-wise, Troy and Georgia State was the determining factor, and the fact the South Alabama in Mobile and proximity to Lafayette."

Benson said the league is in the process of putting schedules together and that cross-over games will happen.

"We're going to do everything we can for as long as we can to ensure Troy and South Alabama are playing a conference game. In the first four years, I think we can guarantee it."

Benson was asked if South Alabama or Troy officials requested to be in the same division as the rival.

He said both schools understood is just wasn't in the cards.

"Right now, the South Alabama fans and Troy fans can look to they could be playing each other in the Sun Belt Championship Game," he said. "If they were in the same division, that wouldn't happen."